The Four Seasons

Reviews from Goodreads.com

This is, beyond a doubt, one of the best written historical novels I have ever read. Laurel Corona paints a vivid portrait of 17th and 18th century Venetian life, examining the roles of women in society and in the ospedale (orphanages) that earned their money from womens' choruses and orchestras.... ...more

It was fascinating and confusing, both. Confusing in the same way books like The Other Boleyn Sister confuse me. Basically, I don't know which is fact and which is fiction, and it bugs me! It makes me fear for historical accuracy in the read... ...more

This is a story set in the age of Venice when music and art were everywhere. Two sisters, Maddalena and Chiaretta, are abandoned by their mother to the Pietà, one of four orphanages for girls in Venice. The pair are raised behind closed doors, with Maddalena as a violin prodigy and Chiaretta as a... ...more

I loved this book, it was so interesting and it takes you right from your couch and transports you to Venice. There was so much about the culture during the time that I did not know and it was weaved into this story beautifully and tastefully. A lot of historical fiction works get bogged down wi... ...more

I not only enjoyed this novel, but like all good historicals, I learned a lot about a time and place that I knew nothing about. I read this book because my father, gone now for 5 years, loved Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" and the music was part of my childhood background. But I found it fascinatin... ...more

This historical novel's setting is 18th century Venice. Two sisters are abandoned and then taken in by a foundling hospital/musical academy. Chiaretta is a bit rebellious, but beautiful and grows to become a much sought-after singer. She marries into a very wealthy family. Her sister, Maddalena,... ...more

This book covers the lifetime of two sisters growing up in 18th century Venice in the Ospidale Della pieta. Their thoughts mature with their aging and experiences and Laurel Corona keeps the story alive. Intimate portrayals of Vivaldi that brings him to life. I look forward to reading more Corona... ...more

I rescued this book from the trash when I was assessing the collection at my library. Hadn't gone out in a couple of years, but had been part of that big popular boom in biographical novels a couple years back. The idea that this novel focused on the life of Antonio Vivaldi caught my eye and I de... ...more

Lush. Provacative. Enchanting from beginning to end. I know next to nothing about the period, classical music or Venice but Laurel Corona writes this tale so well that I was intrigued from the start. It is a story of two orphaned girls who are cloistered at the earliest of ages -- and only by cha... ...more